Chapter 224

As the technological arms race accelerated, the world's attention turned to PowerGen, whose breakthroughs were reshaping industries and global power dynamics. Their advancements—from compact reactor designs to cutting-edge VR systems—were leagues ahead of their competitors, prompting nations to investigate the source of their success.

Rumors began circulating in intelligence circles, suggesting that PowerGen's dominance was not solely the result of superior technology but also due to the unique abilities of its workforce. Theories abounded: some pointed to highly trained researchers with extraordinary cognitive abilities, while others whispered about the presence of mentalists and ability users contributing to their innovation pipeline.

In the Free States, a classified meeting convened with top officials to analyze PowerGen's edge. President Nkosi, pacing the room, spoke with determination.

"We've seen the patents, the prototypes, the outputs. It's not just machines driving this—they have an edge we don't fully understand," he began. "Our intelligence suggests they've cultivated individuals with exceptional mental capabilities. If that's true, we must close the gap."

Ambassador Orlov added, "We know that PowerGen has been discreetly working with techniques linked to mental enhancement. The logical connection leads us to Suprema Nation. Their expertise in frequency techniques might explain how PowerGen trains its workforce."

Nkosi nodded. "We've had ongoing negotiations with Suprema for years. It's time we double our efforts. If mental cultivation is what's fueling their innovation, we need to adopt it on a national scale."

The room murmured in agreement. While they had yet to confirm the exact role of mental cultivation within PowerGen, the idea that enhanced cognition and memory recall were critical components became an increasingly accepted theory.

Suprema Nation had long been a global outlier, revered for its mastery of mental cultivation. Their leader, Arjun, had modernized their techniques, blending tradition with scientific rigor to develop practices that unlocked remarkable cognitive and mental potential.

Diplomatic channels between Suprema and other nations had always been active, but the recent global focus on PowerGen added a new urgency. Nations eager to replicate PowerGen's success saw Suprema as the key to accessing advanced mental training methods.

In a council meeting at Suprema, Arjun sat at the head of the table, listening intently as his advisors outlined the latest wave of interest.

"The Free States have increased their offers," Liam, his chief advisor, reported. "They're proposing joint research programs and technology exchanges in exchange for deeper access to our cultivation methods."

Arjun's expression remained unreadable. "They've always been curious," he said, his tone measured. "But now, they're desperate. PowerGen's rise has shaken them, and they believe we hold the missing piece."

Liam hesitated before speaking again. "Should we proceed with their requests?"

Arjun leaned back, considering the question. "We will engage, but on our terms. Let them come, and we will see their intentions. If they seek genuine collaboration, we can share what aligns with our values. But we will not compromise the essence of our teachings for fleeting alliances."

While governments worked behind closed doors, whispers of mental cultivation began to spread among the public. News outlets speculated on the role of cognitive enhancement in PowerGen's success, fueling a surge of interest in the topic. Articles exploring the benefits of frequency techniques proliferated, with headlines like "Unlocking the Mind: The Secret Weapon in the Tech Race" dominating the news cycle.

One such article claimed, "Mental cultivation isn't just about physical strength or meditation anymore. Emerging evidence suggests it enhances memory, cognitive function, and even problem-solving skills. If PowerGen's workforce is any indication, these practices could redefine innovation itself."

Online forums buzzed with discussions as individuals shared their thoughts and experiences.

A user named "FutureMind99" posted, "I've started basic mental exercises I found online, and I swear I can focus longer during work. Imagine what the advanced stuff could do!"

Another replied, "If PowerGen really has mentalists driving their breakthroughs, we need access to those techniques. It's the only way to compete."

Even schools and community centers began offering introductory workshops on focus training and memory enhancement, responding to the public's growing fascination.

While the world fixated on the idea of mentalists and ability users as the driving force behind PowerGen's success, Max, the acting CEO, watched the frenzy with amusement. In a private moment with his most trusted advisors, he let out a chuckle.

"They think it's about mentalists and abilities," Max said, shaking his head. "Let them chase shadows."

One of the advisors hesitated before asking, "And if they figure out the real reason?"

"They won't," Max replied confidently. "Our advantage lies in something far beyond their reach. They can theorize and speculate, but the truth isn't something they'll ever uncover."

Max's confidence stemmed from a knowledge few were privy to—the true source of PowerGen's success was not in mental cultivation or abilities but in a force far more extraordinary. For now, he was content to let the world believe otherwise, knowing that their focus on mentalists would only lead them further from the truth. But it's better this way, they will not impede the technology roll out when they believe they can recreate it with time.

Meanwhile, the nations' efforts to bolster their own mental cultivation programs continued to gain momentum. Schools integrated focus techniques into their curricula, and workplaces began encouraging employees to engage in mindfulness practices.

In the Free States, President Nkosi addressed the nation, framing the cultivation of mental strength as a patriotic duty. "In this era of technological and cognitive competition, it is not enough to build machines. We must also build minds. Let us embrace the practices that will unlock our true potential."

His words resonated with a populace eager to rise to the challenge. Across cities and towns, workshops on memory recall and cognitive enhancement drew large crowds, signaling the beginning of a cultural shift toward mental cultivation.

As nations continued to speculate about PowerGen's edge, their efforts to emulate its success marked the start of a new era—one where technology and human potential were seen as two sides of the same coin. Suprema Nation, with its rich methods and unparalleled expertise, became a focal point for those seeking to harness the power of the mind.

Unbeknownst to them, the true force behind PowerGen's rise remained hidden, a mystery guarded by those who understood its significance. For now, the world would chase the mirage of mentalists and abilities, never realizing the quiet genius that had propelled PowerGen to its heights.